Synopsis
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is prepared to visit key European capitals to address tensions with the E3 (France, Britain, Germany). He emphasizes the need for diplomatic engagement and criticizes ongoing threats related to the JCPOA. Recent discussions with Russia and China precede his potential visits to Paris, Berlin, and London.Key Takeaways
- Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi ready to visit European capitals.
- Relations with the E3 at a historic low.
- Calls for renewed diplomatic engagement.
- Criticism of the E3's use of the snapback mechanism.
- Ongoing indirect talks with the US mediated by Oman.
Tehran, April 25 (NationPress) Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has expressed his willingness to visit key European capitals to address the escalating tensions between Tehran and the E3 group, which includes France, Britain, and Germany.
In a statement on the social media platform X on Thursday, Araghchi characterized relations with the E3 as being at a historic low, cautioning that the present situation constitutes a "lose-lose" scenario for all involved, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He emphasized the importance of renewed diplomatic efforts, stating, "I once again propose diplomacy."
After recent discussions in Moscow and Beijing, Araghchi mentioned he is prepared to take the lead by visiting Paris, Berlin, and London.
"The ball is now in the E3's court," he urged, calling on European leaders to "break free from the influence of Special Interest groups and pursue a different path."
Araghchi recalled that a prior offer for dialogue was made during meetings with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September, a proposal that was ultimately declined.
The Foreign Minister also criticized the E3 for continuing to invoke the threat of the "snapback" mechanism, a clause in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) allowing for the automatic re-imposition of international sanctions should Iran be found in violation of its commitments.
On Wednesday, Araghchi met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in China ahead of discussions with the US scheduled for Saturday.
Last week, the Iranian Foreign Minister was in Moscow for similar talks, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
On Wednesday, Araghchi criticized, without details, the "attempts by the Israeli regime and certain Special Interest groups to derail diplomacy" and hinder ongoing discussions with the US.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that Iran poses an existential threat, warning that "the fate of all humanity" is at risk if Iran acquires nuclear weapons.
Iran has consistently denied pursuing an atomic bomb, asserting its nuclear program is for peaceful intentions. However, it has enriched uranium to levels necessary for military purposes and has long called for the destruction of Israel.
Western governments have also condemned Iran's missile program, accusing it of supplying weapons to Russia in its conflict against Ukraine.
Iran has refuted these claims, maintaining it has not supported any faction in the war.
Signed by Iran and six world powers—China, the US, Russia, and the E3—the JCPOA has faced challenges since the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018, leading Tehran to reduce its compliance.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington have resumed, with two rounds mediated by Oman. The first occurred in Muscat on April 12, followed by a second round in Italy last Saturday. A third round is planned for this coming Saturday in Oman.
